The Falcons have parted ways with head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot, following their season-ending victory over the Saints, as announced on Sunday.
Owner Arthur Blank indicated a need for “new leadership” in both positions, and the organization intends to start searching for replacements right away.
Morris spent two seasons with the Falcons, ending his time with an overall record of 16-18. In contrast, Fontenot held the GM position for five seasons without leading the team to a playoff appearance.
Blank expressed a personal connection to both Morris and Fontenot, acknowledging their dedication. However, he emphasized that the team’s performance didn’t align with expectations from fans and leaders. “The decision to let them go was tough, but necessary,” he stated. He also wished them success in their future endeavors.
While there’s no set timeline for filling these roles, the team has engaged ZRG Partners for the head coach search and Sportsology Group to assist with finding a new general manager.
Morris, originally from New Jersey, started his career as a grad assistant at the now-closed Hofstra University football program and became the head coach in 2024, drawing attention because the Falcons notably interviewed former Patriots coach Bill Belichick that year.
This season, Atlanta finished with an 8-9 record, missing the playoffs with a month to spare. On a brighter note, they ended their season on a four-game winning streak.
Support for Morris came from within the team, notably from players like Drake London and Bijan Robinson. Robinson remarked, “I’m going to support Raheem no matter what. I love him as a brother, a father, a coach—all of it.” Meanwhile, London expressed hope for Morris’s return.
Fontenot joined the Falcons from the Saints in 2021.
